Nancy J. Brousseau

Nancy J. Brousseau Nancy J. Brousseau, of Philmont, NY beloved wife of Albert, died on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at Columbia Memorial Hospital. Born, June 27, 1931 in Worcester, Massachusetts, she attended Southbridge High School. She went on to attend the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1953. She then earned her Master’s degree in Education in 1971 from the College of St. Rose. She was the daughter of the late Francis and Gertrude Deignan. She married Albert P. Brousseau in 1953. Nancy was a lifelong educator and community leader. She was the first lay person to teach in a parochial school in Southbridge, Massachusetts and also taught elementary school in Nashua, New Hampshire. She moved to Philmont with her family in 1964 and worked as a teacher and reading specialist at the Taconic Hills Ockawamick School. She was one of the first team teachers in the state and also earned the national distinction of Teacher of the Year in 1968. During the course of her career she was asked to serve as the acting principal and was also the coach of the Varsity girls’ basketball team. She positively impacted the lives of many students from elementary through high school for over 27 years. Throughout her life, Nancy served on many boards and committees to improve and support her community. She was the chair of the Philmont Zoning Board of Appeals and was a key contributor to the Village’s Comprehensive Plan. She is the former President of the Philmont Fire Company Ladies’ Auxiliary and was President of the Board at the Philmont Hearth. She was an active member of the educational foundation Delta Kappa Gamma, the Philmont Rod and Gun Club and the National Rifle Association. In addition to her many civic duties, Nancy enjoyed raising sheep and Angora goats on her family farm since 1970. She showed her prized animals at both the Columbia and Dutchess County Fairs for many years bringing home numerous trophies and ribbons. She was also a member of various sheep and wool associations. Survivors include her husband, Albert, and four sons: Kevin Brousseau (Linda) of Saranac Lake, NY, Robert Brousseau (Joanne) of Philmont, Jay Brousseau (Leah Taylor) of Ghent, and Kerry Brousseau (Cynda) of Philmont and her much adored grandchildren: Brendan, Corey, KC, Ashley, Chris, Dustin, Ryan, Kyle, Collin, Megan and three great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her only sibling, Francis Deignan. There are no calling hours and services are private at the request of the family. Arrangements are with the Sacco-McDonald-Valenti Funeral Home. A memorial service to celebrate Nancy’s life will be held in the spring, at a date to be determined, for her many beloved family members and friends. Memorial donations may be made to any of the following organizations: The Columbia-Greene Humane Society, Philmont Public Library and Philmont Fire Company Ladies's Auxiliary.

Nancy J. Brousseau

June 27, 1931 - January 28, 2015